Our new vaction home

[AHutson]

Well, after lots of research and searching and saving the wife and I finally bought a good used 5th wheel. We borrowed my dad's for a week long trip and enjoyed it enough we decided to get our own. Since we have future plans for living out of it for a long period we got one for full timing. It's a very well kept up 1998 Excel 30-5 RGO. Just got it home from Moriarty New Mexico last night. I wanted to post this as a thank you to everyone who has posted in many past topics on good vs. not so good quality trailers. Your advice and experience are very appreciated. We thank you all!

 

[DavidC]

We have a 2002 32' Thor Citation 5th wheel bought new. It has been across the states and 1-2 week vacations. Retired 2 1/2 years ago and have been in it full time. Main issues have been the usual RV tires. Congratulations on the new to you home on wheels.

 

[Shiner]

Well, after lots of research and searching and saving the wife and I finally bought a good used 5th wheel. We borrowed my dad's for a week long trip and enjoyed it enough we decided to get our own. Since we have future plans for living out of it for a long period we got one for full timing. It's a very well kept up 1998 Excel 30-5 RGO. Just got it home from Moriarty New Mexico last night. I wanted to post this as a thank you to everyone who has posted in many past topics on good vs. not so good quality trailers. Your advice and experience are very appreciated. We thank you all!

Enjoy! I am looking half heartedly. Our motorhome is good for now. But, I continue to look and check off what I do not want. One of those is NO PAYMENTS.LOL!

 

[ringneck]

made by the peterson family,good one.have fun

 

[TFucili]

Congrats!

 

[jgillott]

Congratulations. Now get out and enjoy it. There is nothing worse than an RV that sits. Use it every chance you get, even if it means going somewhere local for the weekend.

 

[Jim W]

Congratulations on the 5th wheel. Hope you enjoy your 5er for a long time.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Pics???

 

[NIsaacs]

Coolness, and you have the perfect tow truck

 

[AHutson]

Thanks everyone. So far its been good. Shiner, I completely understand the no payments. It's a big reason why I have kept my 2001 going, other is she's never quit on me or left me in bad way. Tires on this one are LT rated BF Goodrich, E range if I remember right. Got it winterized yesterday, wife and I are planning several weekend trips with it, just have to decide where to go first. My 2001 pulls and handles it great, may have to get a slider hitch but so far haven't needed to come that close to my cab with the regular B and W companion. Only pic I have at the moment is this one at a truck stop in Raton before we came into Colorado.

 

[handtools]

Congats! We have a 1997 32-5 TRW and love it, they are very well constructed trailers.

 

[AHutson]

So when I was replacing the shocks I noticed I have an equalizer that is worn badly. This trailer has 2 5200 lbs Dexter Axles under it, and since it's replacement time for this part it's the perfect excuse for an upgrade. I am looking at the Morryde SRE 4000, but am looking for thoughts and input from others who have experience with any of their systems. I want something that will last a while and preferably smooth the ride out some. I am planning to re-pack/replace wheel bearings and replace brakes while I have things apart for the equalizers. What are thoughts and experiences with Morryde and/or are there better options?

 

[Jim W]

Hi, I am using the Dexter E-Z Flex system on my Cedar Creek, this is a factory standard item. What I would suggest when upgrading is to ensure that you have a wet bolt system with 1/2" links. What this means is that you need to grease the link bolts and the equalizer at some interval mileage period. I grease my system every 4,000 miles or so.

I am not sure which one system is better over the other, but I would ensure what ever you purchase uses a wet bolt system. This should include bronze bushings, 1/2" steel link plates and bolts that have a greaseable through hole for greasing both side of the bushings and link plates. The equalizer should be able to be grease also.

 

[AH64ID]

I currently have 3 trailers with Alko 5200lb axles (1 will be for sale this spring), and on 2 of them I have done the Dexter EZ-Flex system with upgraded wet bolts and HD shackles.

My only trailer that doesn't have the Dexter came factory with another companies, since been sold to Lippert I think, equalizer. It's beyond worn out and I'll be putting the Dexter EZ-Flex on it this spring.

I looked at the Mor/Ryde stuff and prefer how the EZ-Flex flexs over the Mor/Ryde. I think on rough roads the Dexter will work better, and on uneven gravel roads it will really shine over the Mor/Ryde. The Dexter EZ-Flex is also cheaper.

 

[AHutson]

Thanks for the input guys. I am going to use the Dexter EZ flex system I believe now. I was leaning heavily towards Morryde's SRE 4000, but I saw a few other forums with a failure point on it that really bothers me. Especially for the cost of it. Doesn't seem to be very common to the say the least and sounds like Morryde was great about taking care of it. Dexter had a few rubber failures too, but were also great about taking care of it. Biggest difference is with Dexter failure the hanger doesn't end up stuck through the middle of the unit. All the hours I spent researching and it sounds like there is very minimal difference in ride with any of these rubber equalizer systems once they are on there, so pry not worth it to spend the big money especially since ours already has a shock absorber system.

 

[slowmover]

MOR/ryde IS. With disc brakes. TUSON controller.

Get a moisture meter with probe. Go over every few inches at the interior floor / wall junction.

 

[AHutson]

I did look into that system and converting to disc brakes, but unfortunately it is out of budget for the moment. I will have to look into the probe, not a bad idea at all. So far my truck's factory controller works great. I did order the Dexter EZ flex kit that also includes wet bolts and 4 new Dexter brake kits for it. Just need to take one wheel apart so I can go get the right bearings.